Installing Vinyl Siding Around Windows With Integrated J Channel

Position the j channel under the window.

Installing vinyl siding around windows with integrated j channel.

The intergral j is a real bad idea. When i know a house will be sided in vinyl i select windows that have either an integral j channel or a slot to receive an applied cap that creates a receiver channel. Drive roofing nails every 8 to 10 in. Traditionally j channel was a siding trim molding fastened around windows and doors which then received the siding.

Alternatively i use vinyl window and door casing which is essentially a 2 1 2 in. For the window first position the j channel against the window casing. Mark cut and notch the top. Continue installing courses of siding along the sides of the window leaving 1 4 inch spaces within the j channel at the end of each piece of the siding for expansion.

Another option is crane board makes an adapter that snaps onto the windows built in j channel that turns it into a 1 1 4 deep j pocket for use with their insulated siding. Nail it to the wall but remember not to nail it tightly. The vinyl siding trim pieces should slide back and forth slightly. Don t drive them tight.

On the top of the window don t run it to tight leave room for the water to run off. No pieces to separate. Some modern vinyl windows however incorporate a j channel right into the. I only use plywood.

Caulk behind the vinyl nailing flange of the window first then install grace strips over the flange and then you can run your siding right into the window j channel. It does not drain water off the top of the window but to both sides where some it will end up behind the siding when leaving the bottom of the side j s it s a built in fault with regular and integral j s and the way 99 of people install vinyl and similar sidings. Windows and doors install the j channel vinyl siding around all four sides of a window or three sides of a door. Install j channel under the window.

Integral j is fine its actually better.